Short answer: Canada's publicly funded healthcare system, often called "Medicare", covers medically necessary hospital and physician care at no direct cost, but you are not automatically enrolled. As a newcomer you must apply for your province or territory's health card, and in several provinces (such as British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces) coverage only begins after a waiting period of up to about three months. This guide explains how provincial health insurance works, when your coverage actually begins, what it does and does not cover, and how to bridge any gap with private interim insurance so a single emergency does not become a large bill. Eligibility rules and waiting periods are set by each province and change over time, so treat the details below as a starting point and confirm the specifics with your own province's health authority.
How Canadian Healthcare Works
Healthcare in Canada is administered by each province and territory, not the federal government. Each province maintains its own health insurance plan that covers residents. The Canada Health Act sets national standards that all provincial plans must meet: universality, comprehensiveness, accessibility, portability, and public administration.
As a permanent resident, protected person (refugee), or certain temporary resident, you are generally eligible to enroll in your province's health plan. You must register with your province's health authority and receive a health card. Coverage does not begin automatically, you must apply.
Provincial Health Insurance Plans by Name:
- • Ontario: OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
- • British Columbia: MSP (Medical Services Plan)
- • Alberta: AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan)
- • Quebec: RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec)
- • Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Health Authority
- • Manitoba: Manitoba Health
- • Nova Scotia: MSI (Medical Services Insurance)
- • New Brunswick: Medicare
- • PEI: PEI Health PEI
- • Newfoundland & Labrador: MCP
- • Northwest Territories: NWT Health Care Plan
- • Yukon: Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan
- • Nunavut: Nunavut Health Care
Waiting Periods: Province by Province
Some provinces impose a waiting period before newcomers can access provincial health coverage. The wait is typically the rest of the month you arrive plus the next two months (often summarized as "up to three months"), so the exact end date depends on which day of the month you become a resident. What this means for you: if you land mid-month, your provincial card may not be active for roughly three months, and any care you receive in that window can be billed to you. Apply on arrival regardless (registering early starts the clock), and carry private interim health insurance until your provincial coverage is confirmed. The table below reflects publicly available provincial policies as of the verification date above; always confirm with your province's health authority directly, as policies change.
| Province/Territory | Waiting Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No waiting period (currently) | Ontario removed the 3-month OHIP wait in March 2020; the province states there is currently no waiting period and you can apply as soon as you arrive. Confirm current status before you rely on it. |
| British Columbia | Up to ~3 months | MSP wait period is the rest of the month you become a BC resident plus two more months. Get private interim coverage while you wait. Some categories (e.g. Canadian Armed Forces families) are exempt. |
| Alberta | Up to ~3 months | AHCIP coverage generally takes effect the first day of the third month after you establish residency (e.g. arrive July 12, coverage starts Oct 1). Apply within 3 months of arriving. |
| Quebec | Up to 3-month waiting period | RAMQ coverage usually begins after a wait of up to 3 months from registration. RAMQ advises taking out private insurance within 5 days of arrival. Children under 18 and some urgent services are exempt. |
| New Brunswick | 3-month waiting period | NB Medicare has a 3-month waiting period for new residents. |
| Nova Scotia | 3-month waiting period | MSI waiting period applies to newly arrived residents. |
| PEI | 3-month waiting period | PEI Health has a 3-month wait for new residents. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 3-month waiting period | MCP waiting period of approximately 3 months. |
| Saskatchewan | 3-month waiting period | New residents must wait approximately 3 months. |
| Manitoba | 3-month waiting period | Manitoba Health waiting period applies to newcomers. |
Source: Provincial health authority websites. Always confirm current policy at your province's official health website before making insurance decisions.
What Provincial Health Insurance Covers
Under the Canada Health Act, provincial plans must cover all medically necessary physician and hospital services. This generally includes:
Covered ✓
- ✓ Doctor (GP and specialist) visits
- ✓ Hospital stays (standard ward)
- ✓ Emergency room visits
- ✓ Diagnostic tests (X-rays, bloodwork) ordered by a doctor
- ✓ Surgery performed in hospital
- ✓ Maternity care
- ✓ Mental health services (physician-referred)
- ✓ Most medically necessary procedures
NOT Covered ✗
- ✗ Prescription medications (outside hospital)
- ✗ Dental care (except medically necessary hospital procedures)
- ✗ Vision care (glasses, contacts, routine eye exams in most provinces)
- ✗ Ambulance transport (in most provinces)
- ✗ Paramedical services (physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage)
- ✗ Cosmetic procedures
- ✗ Semi-private or private hospital rooms
- ✗ Hearing aids
Coverage details vary by province. Some provinces offer extended benefits (e.g., Ontario's OHIP+ covers prescription drugs for those 24 and under who are not covered by a private plan). Check your province's health plan for exact coverage details.
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): For Refugees
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage to eligible refugees and refugee claimants who are not yet eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance. It is administered federally by IRCC and covers:
- ✓ Government-assisted refugees (GARs), from arrival until provincial coverage begins
- ✓ Refugee claimants (asylum seekers), while claim is being processed
- ✓ Resettled refugees (privately sponsored), temporary coverage while waiting for provincial plan
- ✓ Victims of human trafficking and certain other protected persons
As currently structured, the IFHP gives eligible beneficiaries basic coverage (such as doctor visits and hospital care, with no co-payment), supplemental benefits (such as limited dental and vision care, for which the program typically covers a share of the cost and you pay the rest), and prescription drug coverage (with a small per-prescription co-payment). Exact benefits and co-payments are set by IRCC and can change; verify current coverage on canada.ca before relying on any detail.
Private Insurance During the Waiting Period
If you are in a province with a waiting period, or if you have gaps in coverage, private health insurance is essential. A major illness or emergency without coverage can result in significant out-of-pocket costs. When selecting private insurance, consider:
Emergency medical coverage
Covers emergency room visits, ambulance, and urgent care. This is the most critical component during any gap period.
Prescription drug coverage
Even after your provincial plan begins, prescriptions are typically not covered. Drug plans are a key supplement.
Dental coverage
Basic dental (cleaning, fillings) is not covered by provincial plans. Dental care in Canada is expensive without insurance.
Vision coverage
Routine eye exams and corrective lenses are generally not covered by provincial plans for adults.
Pre-existing condition clauses
Review exclusions carefully, many private plans exclude pre-existing conditions for a period of time.
Several Canadian insurers offer newcomer-specific plans, including Blue Cross provincial plans, Manulife, Sun Life, and others. Compare plans before you arrive if possible.
How to Apply for Your Provincial Health Card
Apply as soon as you arrive in your province, even if there is a waiting period, registering early starts the clock. General requirements across most provinces include:
Applications can typically be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a provincial ServiceOntario, Service BC, or equivalent office. Processing times vary: Ontario typically issues an interim card within 1–2 weeks while the permanent card is mailed.
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Includes healthcare enrollment steps, documents needed, and timelines specific to your province.
Generate Document ChecklistFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a health card to see a doctor in Canada?+
Yes, you need a valid provincial health card to access covered services at no direct cost. Without a card, you may be billed directly for services. During a waiting period or before your card arrives, private insurance or paying out-of-pocket is the alternative. Emergency care will not be refused due to inability to pay, but you may receive a bill afterward.
How do I find a family doctor (GP) as a newcomer?+
Finding a family doctor can be challenging in Canada due to physician shortages. Options include: registering with your province's patient registry (e.g., Health Care Connect in Ontario), using walk-in clinics for non-urgent care, contacting settlement agencies who may have healthcare navigation support, and asking at your community health centre. Many provinces have dedicated newcomer health resources.
Are temporary residents (work/study permit holders) eligible for provincial health insurance?+
Eligibility varies by province and permit type. Generally, workers with permits of 6+ months and students with permits of 12+ months may be eligible. Some provinces (e.g., Ontario) cover certain temporary residents; others do not. Check with your province. International students often must purchase university-sponsored private health insurance.
What if I need dental care as a newcomer before I have insurance?+
Dental care in Canada is primarily private and expensive without insurance. The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which launched in 2024, helps cover dental costs for eligible residents with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to private dental insurance. To qualify you generally must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your most recent income tax return (and your spouse or common-law partner must have filed too). Because eligibility is tied to your tax return, newcomers usually become eligible only after they have filed a Canadian return. Income brackets, covered services, and co-payments apply and can change, so check canada.ca/dental for current eligibility before booking treatment.
How long after arriving do I get my provincial health card, and what do I do before it arrives?+
Timing varies by province. Where there is no current waiting period (such as Ontario), coverage can begin once you are approved, and Ontario typically issues an interim confirmation while the permanent photo card is mailed. Where there is a waiting period (such as British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces), the card becomes active only after roughly the rest of your arrival month plus two more months. Before your card is active, the safe approach is to carry private interim health insurance and keep proof of your application. Emergency departments will treat you regardless of coverage, but you can be billed afterward if you are not yet insured. Always confirm the current timeline with your province.
Are IRCC-funded settlement services part of healthcare, and can they help me with health enrollment?+
Health insurance itself is run by the provinces and territories, not by IRCC, so signing up for a health card is separate from immigration programs. However, free IRCC-funded settlement services (generally available to permanent residents and protected persons, and not to most temporary residents or Canadian citizens) often include help understanding the health system, finding clinics, and completing forms. Settlement agencies and community health centres are good first stops if you are unsure how to enroll or find a doctor. Verify your eligibility for settlement services on canada.ca.
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This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.